Bulls could re-sign Richard

Monday is the deadline for teams to sign players who will be eligible for playoff action.

The Bulls planned to increase Joakim Noah’s minutes in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday nights. If Noah can’t overcome the plantar fasciitis in his left foot, they still could add a big man.

Chris Richard, waived at the trade deadline Feb. 18, is the most likely candidate. But the Bulls have held internal discussions about others.

Coach Vinny Del Negro made clear Feb. 19 in Minneapolis that the coaching staff had lobbied to keep Richard, who was waived to make room for new acquisitions Hakim Warrick, Flip Murray, Joe Alexander and Acie Law.

The Bulls would have to waive somebody if a big man is signed. The candidates range from Lindsey Hunter and Jerome James to, less likely, Devin Brown, Law or Alexander.

Memory lane: During the first timeout, with 5 minutes, 53 seconds remaining in the first quarter, the Bulls aired a video tribute to Johnny "Red" Kerr and Norm Van Lier. The franchise titans passed away on the same day one year ago.

"Both of them meant so much to the organization," guard Kirk Hinrich said.